FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to continuously variable transmission mechanisms and,
more particularly, to a continuously variable transmission mechanism which is compact
and capable of not only achieving large continuously variable transmission ranges
and high transmission efficiency but also changing speed without causing jerks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] To adjust speed and reduce gasoline consumption, every conventional vehicle is equipped
with a gear shifting mechanism. The conventional gear shifting mechanism essentially
comprises either a gear train, or a combination of a gear train and oil channels,
leading to disadvantages, including complicated structure, taking up much space, small
gear shifting ranges, and great transmission loss, not to mention that the gear shifting
process is likely to cause the vehicle to jerk. In an attempt to over the aforesaid
disadvantages, the industrial sector developed a continuous gear shifting mechanism
characterized by two grooved wheels operating in conjunction with a V-shaped belt.
The grooved wheels and the V-shaped belt are overly large, but gear shifting ranges
are overly small. Examples of continuously variable transmission mechanisms are disclosed
in
US 3,407,687 and
WO 2013/109723 A1. Therefore, it is important to develop a continuously variable transmission mechanism
which is compact and capable of not only achieving large continuously variable transmission
ranges and high transmission efficiency but also changing speed without causing jerks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In view of the aforesaid drawbacks of the prior art, the inventor of the present
invention conceived room for improvement in the prior art and thus conducted extensive
researches and experiments according to the inventor's years of experience in the
related industry, and finally developed a continuously variable transmission mechanism
which is compact and capable of not only achieving large continuously variable transmission
ranges and high transmission efficiency but also changing speed without causing jerks.
[0004] The present invention provides a continuously variable transmission mechanism, comprising:
a speed-changing frame having a plurality of receiving holes, a plurality of cruciform
guide slots, and a plurality of guide slots, the receiving holes being intermediate
and arranged annularly, the cruciform guide slots being outermost and arranged annularly,
and the guide slots being innermost and arranged annularly, wherein the receiving
holes are each disposed between, and in communication with, a corresponding one of
the cruciform guide slots and a corresponding one of the guide slots; a plurality
of speed-changing units each having a speed-changing sphere, a speed-changing rod,
and a speed-changing slide bar, with the speed-changing rod movably, penetratingly
disposed at the speed-changing sphere, the speed-changing slide bar perpendicularly
connected to an end of the speed-changing rod, the end exposed from an end portion
of the speed-changing sphere, and the speed-changing spheres movably received in the
receiving holes, respectively, with each said speed-changing sphere exposed from two
open sides of the corresponding receiving hole, wherein the speed-changing slide bars
and the speed-changing rods are exposed from end portions of the speed-changing spheres
and slide within the cruciform guide slots, respectively, whereas the speed-changing
rods are exposed from other end portions of the speed-changing spheres and slide within
the guide slots, respectively; two oblique support units each having an oblique support
ring, a truncated conical ball ring, and an oblique supporter, the oblique support
rings each having an outward-tilted support annular surface and an inward-tilted clamping
annular surface, the oblique supporters each having an outward-tilted clamping annular
surface and connected to two sides of the speed-changing frame, and the truncated
conical ball rings each being clamped between a corresponding one of the inward-tilted
clamping annular surfaces and a corresponding one of the outward-tilted clamping annular
surfaces, wherein the outward-tilted support annular surfaces support the speed-changing
spheres from two open sides of a corresponding one of the receiving holes, respectively;
a power input rotator having an inward-tilted power input clamping annular surface;
and a power output rotator having an inward-tilted power output clamping annular surface,
wherein the inward-tilted power input clamping annular surface and the inward-tilted
power output clamping annular surface clamp the speed-changing spheres from two open
sides of a corresponding one of the receiving holes, respectively.
[0005] Regarding the continuously variable transmission mechanism, the speed-changing frame
comprises two speed-changing half-frames connected together, and the speed-changing
half-frames each have a plurality of receiving half-holes, a plurality of cruciform
guide half-slots, and a plurality of guide half-slots, which are connected to form
the receiving holes, the cruciform guide slots, and the guide slots, respectively.
[0006] Regarding the continuously variable transmission mechanism, the speed-changing spheres
each have has two limiting lubricative washers and a lubricative washer, with the
lubricative washer disposed between the limiting lubricative washers, allowing the
speed-changing rods to be movably, penetratingly disposed at the limiting lubricative
washers and the lubricative washers, respectively.
[0007] Regarding the continuously variable transmission mechanism, the oblique supporters
are each T-shaped and have protruding portions penetrating the truncated conical ball
rings and the oblique support rings to connect with a side of the speed-changing frame.
[0008] Regarding the continuously variable transmission mechanism, the protruding portions
of the oblique supporters each have a plurality of extending guide slots arranged
annularly and in communication with the guide slots, respectively.
[0009] Regarding the continuously variable transmission mechanism, the power input rotator
has a first axle, and the power output rotator has a second axle, with the first and
second axles each pivotally connected to the oblique supporters.
[0010] Therefore, the present invention provides a continuously variable transmission mechanism
which is compact and capable of not only achieving large continuously variable transmission
ranges and high transmission efficiency but also changing speed without causing jerks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention are hereunder illustrated
with specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view 1 of a continuously variable transmission mechanism according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view 2 of the continuously variable transmission mechanism
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view 1 of a speed-changing frame according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an exploded view 2 of the speed-changing frame according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is an exploded view 1 of the speed-changing frame and oblique support units
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an exploded view 2 of the speed-changing frame and oblique support units
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is an exploded view 3 of the speed-changing frame and oblique support units
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is an exploded view 4 of the speed-changing frame and oblique support units
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a cutaway view of the continuously variable transmission mechanism shown
in FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is a front view of the continuously variable transmission mechanism shown
in FIG. 9; and
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a ring-shaped driver fitted to the speed-changing
frame according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 10, the present invention provides a continuously
variable transmission mechanism which comprises a speed-changing frame 1, a plurality
of speed-changing units 2, two oblique support units 3, a power input rotator 4, and
a power output rotator 5. The speed-changing frame 1 looks like a vehicle's wheel.
A cylindrical recess is disposed on each of the two sides of the speed-changing frame
1. The speed-changing frame 1 has a plurality of receiving holes 12, a plurality of
cruciform guide slots 13, and a plurality of guide slots 14. The receiving holes 12
are intermediate and arranged annularly. The cruciform guide slots 13 are outermost
and arranged annularly. The guide slots 14 are innermost and arranged annularly. The
receiving holes 12 are each disposed between, and in communication with, a corresponding
one of the cruciform guide slots 13 and a corresponding one of the guide slots 14.
The receiving holes 12 are each round. The speed-changing units 2 each have a speed-changing
sphere 21, a speed-changing rod 22, and a speed-changing slide bar 23. The speed-changing
rod 22 is movably, penetratingly disposed at the speed-changing sphere 21. The speed-changing
slide bar 23 is perpendicularly connected to one end of the speed-changing rod 22,
and the one end of the speed-changing rod 22 is exposed from the speed-changing sphere
21. The speed-changing spheres 21 are movably received in the receiving holes 12,
respectively. Each speed-changing sphere 21 is exposed from two open sides of the
corresponding receiving hole 12. The speed-changing slide bar 23 and the speed-changing
rod 22 are exposed from one end portion of the speed-changing sphere 21 and are each
slidingly disposed at a transverse part and a longitudinal part of a corresponding
one of the cruciform guide slots 13. With the speed-changing rod 22 being exposed
from one end portion of the speed-changing sphere 21, the speed-changing rod 22 is
exposed from the speed-changing frame 1. The speed-changing rod 22 is exposed from
the other end portion of the speed-changing sphere 21 and slidingly disposed at a
corresponding one of the guide slots 14. The oblique support units 3 each have an
oblique support ring 31, a truncated conical ball ring 32, and an oblique supporter
33. Each of the two sides of each oblique support ring 31 has an outward-tilted support
annular surface 311 and an inward-tilted clamping annular surface 312. Each oblique
supporter 33 has an outward-tilted clamping annular surface 331. The oblique supporters
33 are each connected to the cylindrical recesses on the two sides of the speed-changing
frame 1. Each truncated conical ball ring 32 has a plurality of balls 321 and a truncated
conical ring 322. The balls 321 are spaced apart and movably received in the truncated
conical ring 322. The truncated conical ball rings 32 are each clamped between a corresponding
one of the inward-tilted clamping annular surfaces 312 and a corresponding one of
the outward-tilted clamping annular surfaces 331. The outward-tilted support annular
surfaces 311 support inner edges of the speed-changing spheres 21 from two open sides
of a corresponding one of the receiving holes 12, respectively. The power input rotator
4 has an inward-tilted power input clamping annular surface 41. The power output rotator
5 has an inward-tilted power output clamping annular surface 51. The inward-tilted
power input clamping annular surface 41 and the inward-tilted power output clamping
annular surface 51 clamp outer edges of the speed-changing spheres 21 from two open
sides of a corresponding one of the receiving holes 12, respectively.
[0013] Referring to FIG. 10, rotation of the power input rotator 4 and rightward slide of
the speed-changing slide bars 23 causes the speed-changing rods 22 and the speed-changing
spheres 21 to turn rightward, the speed-changing rods 22 to slide relative to the
speed-changing spheres 21, the power output rotator 5 to rotate in a direction opposite
to the direction of rotation of the power input rotator 4, and the power output rotator
5 to rotate more slowly than the power input rotator 4, so as to attain deceleration.
Rotation of the power input rotator 4 and leftward slide of the speed-changing slide
bars 23 causes the speed-changing rods 22 and the speed-changing spheres 21 to turn
leftward, the speed-changing rods 22 to slide relative to the speed-changing spheres
21, the power output rotator 5 to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction
of rotation of the power input rotator 4, and the power output rotator 5 to rotate
faster than the power input rotator 4, so as to attain acceleration.
[0014] Referring to FIG. 10, the speed-changing spheres 21 are movably clamped between the
inward-tilted power input clamping annular surface 41, the inward-tilted power output
clamping annular surface 51, and the outward-tilted support annular surface 311 to
allow the speed-changing spheres 21 to be each clamped at only four points, minimize
friction, enhance transmission efficiency, thereby changing speed without causing
jerks. The speed-changing frame 1, the speed-changing units 2 and the oblique support
units 3 are clamped between the inward-tilted power input clamping annular surface
41 of the power input rotator 4 and the inward-tilted power output clamping annular
surface 51 of the power output rotator 5 and thus float between the power input rotator
4 and the power output rotator 5; hence, all the aforesaid components are still in
well contact with each other at the time of commencement of the rotation of the power
input rotator 4, the rotation of the power input rotator 4, and the turning of the
speed-changing units 2, thereby ensuring high transmission efficiency. Furthermore,
according to the present invention, the continuously variable transmission mechanism
is compact and capable of achieving large continuously variable transmission ranges,
because the speed-changing units 2 can turn by a large angle.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 10, the speed-changing frame 1 comprises two speed-changing
half-frames 11 connected together. The speed-changing half-frames 11 each have a plurality
of receiving half-holes 121, a plurality of cruciform guide half-slots 131, and a
plurality of guide half-slots 141, which are connected to form the receiving holes
12, the cruciform guide slots 13, and the guide slots 14, respectively. Hence, the
continuously variable transmission mechanism of the present invention is easy to assemble,
whereas the speed-changing spheres 21 float within the receiving holes 12 and connect
pivotally therewith through the speed-changing slide bars 23 and the speed-changing
rods 22.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the speed-changing spheres 21 each have therein
two limiting lubricative washers 211 and a lubricative washer 212. The limiting lubricative
washers 211 are self-lubricating washers. The lubricative washers 212 are self-lubricating
washers. The speed-changing rods 22 are movably, penetratingly disposed at the limiting
lubricative washers 211 and the lubricative washers 212, respectively. The speed-changing
rods 22 slide relative to the speed-changing spheres 21 and reduce friction by the
limiting lubricative washers 211 and the lubricative washers 212.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 5 through FIG. 8, the oblique supporters 33 are each T-shaped and
have protruding portions 332 penetrating the truncated conical ball rings 32 and the
oblique support rings 31 to connect with a cylindrical recess on one side of the speed-changing
frame 1. Therefore, the continuously variable transmission mechanism of the present
invention is easy to assemble, because the speed-changing spheres 21 can be easily
mounted on the speed-changing frame 1.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 5 through FIG. 8, the protruding portions 332 of the oblique supporters
33 each have a plurality of extending guide slots 3321 arranged annularly. The extending
guide slots 3321 are in communication with the guide slots 14, respectively. Therefore,
the continuously variable transmission mechanism of the present invention increases
the angle by which the speed-changing units 2 can turn.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the power input rotator 4 has a
first axle 42, whereas the power output rotator 5 has a second axle 52. The first
axle 42 and the second axle 52 are each pivotally connected to the oblique supporters
33 through a bearing 333. Therefore, the continuously variable transmission mechanism
of the present invention is characterized in that the speed-changing frame 1, the
speed-changing units 2, and the oblique support units 3 are firmly connected between
the power input rotator 4 and the power output rotator 5.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the continuously variable transmission
mechanism further comprises a ring-shaped driver 6. The ring-shaped driver 6 has a
plurality of oblique guide holes 61. The ring-shaped driver 6 is fitted to the speed-changing
frame 1. The oblique guide holes 61 each guide the speed-changing rods 22 out of an
end portion of the speed-changing frame 1. Therefore, as soon as the ring-shaped driver
6 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the speed-changing frame 1, the
speed-changing rods 22 are guided by the oblique guide holes 61, respectively, such
that the speed-changing rods 22 and the speed-changing spheres 21 turn leftward or
turn rightward.
1. A continuously variable transmission mechanism, comprising:
a speed-changing frame (1) having a plurality of receiving holes (12), a plurality
of cruciform guide slots (13), and a plurality of guide slots (14), the receiving
holes (12) being intermediate and arranged annularly, the cruciform guide slots (13)
being outermost and arranged annularly, and the guide slots (14) being innermost and
arranged annularly, wherein the receiving holes (12) are each disposed between, and
in communication with, a corresponding one of the cruciform guide slots (13) and a
corresponding one of the guide slots (14);
a plurality of speed-changing units (2) each having a speed-changing sphere (21),
a speed-changing rod (22), and a speed-changing slide bar (23), with the speed-changing
rod (22) movably, penetratingly disposed at the speed-changing sphere (21), the speed-changing
slide bar (23) perpendicularly connected to an end of the speed-changing rod (22),
the end exposed from an end portion of the speed-changing sphere (21), and the speed-changing
spheres (21) movably received in the receiving holes (12), respectively, with each
said speed-changing sphere (21) exposed from two open sides of the corresponding receiving
hole (12), wherein the speed-changing slide bars (23) and the speed-changing rods
(22) are exposed from end portions of the speed-changing spheres (21) and slide within
the cruciform guide slots (13), respectively, whereas the speed-changing rods (22)
are exposed from other end portions of the speed-changing spheres (21) and slide within
the guide slots (14), respectively;
two oblique support units (3) each having an oblique support ring (31), a truncated
conical ball ring (32), and an oblique supporter (33), the oblique support rings (31)
each having an outward-tilted support annular surface (311) and an inward-tilted clamping
annular surface (312), the oblique supporters (33) each having an outward-tilted clamping
annular surface (331) and connected to two sides of the speed-changing frame (1),
and the truncated conical ball rings (32) each being clamped between a corresponding
one of the inward-tilted clamping annular surfaces (312) and a corresponding one of
the outward-tilted clamping annular surfaces (331), wherein the outward-tilted support
annular surfaces (311) support the speed-changing spheres (21) from two open sides
of a corresponding one of the receiving holes (12), respectively;
a power input rotator (4) having an inward-tilted power input clamping annular surface
(41); and
a power output rotator (5) having an inward-tilted power output clamping annular surface
(51), wherein the inward-tilted power input clamping annular surface (41) and the
inward-tilted power output clamping annular surface (51) clamp the speed-changing
spheres (21) from two open sides of a corresponding one of the receiving holes (12),
respectively.
2. The continuously variable transmission mechanism of claim 1, wherein the speed-changing
frame (1) comprises two speed-changing half-frames (11) connected together, and the
speed-changing half-frames (11) each have a plurality of receiving half-holes (121),
a plurality of cruciform guide half-slots (131), and a plurality of guide half-slots
(141), which are connected to form the receiving holes (12), the cruciform guide slots
(13), and the guide slots (14), respectively.
3. The continuously variable transmission mechanism of claim 1, wherein the speed-changing
spheres (21) each have has two limiting lubricative washers (211) and a lubricative
washer (212), with the lubricative washer (212) disposed between the limiting lubricative
washers (211), allowing the speed-changing rods (22) to be movably, penetratingly
disposed at the limiting lubricative washers (211) and the lubricative washers (212),
respectively.
4. The continuously variable transmission mechanism of claim 1, wherein the oblique supporters
(33) are each T-shaped and have protruding portions (332) penetrating the truncated
conical ball rings (32) and the oblique support rings (31) to connect with a side
of the speed-changing frame (1).
5. The continuously variable transmission mechanism of claim 4, wherein the protruding
portions (332) of the oblique supporters (33) each have a plurality of extending guide
slots (3321) arranged annularly and in communication with the guide slots (13), respectively.
6. The continuously variable transmission mechanism of claim 1, wherein the power input
rotator (4) has a first axle (42), and the power output rotator (5) has a second axle
(52), with the first and second axles (42, 52) each pivotally connected to the oblique
supporters (33).